Learning how to express “not only” in different languages allows you to enhance your communication skills and understand more intricate expressions. In Japanese, you can convey the meaning of “not only” through various words and phrases, depending on the context, formality, and emphasis you want to convey. In this comprehensive guide, you will find a breakdown of the different ways to express “not only” in Japanese, including formal and informal options, as well as some helpful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say “Not Only” in Japanese
When it comes to expressing “not only” in a formal context, such as business settings or official conversations, the following expressions are commonly used:
1. だけでなく (dake de naku)
The phrase “だけでなく” is a formal way to express “not only” in Japanese. It is used to connect two or more elements, emphasizing that there is more to a situation than just one aspect. Here’s an example:
彼は英語だけでなく、フランス語も話せます。
(Kare wa eigo dake de naku, furansugo mo hanasemasu.)
He can speak not only English but also French.
2. のみならず (nomi narazu)
Another formal way to express “not only” in Japanese is by using the phrase “のみならず.” It has a slightly formal and literary connotation and is often used in written language. Check out the following example:
彼は経済学のみならず、政治学も専攻しています。
(Kare wa keizaigaku nomi narazu, seijigaku mo semmoku shite imasu.)
He specializes not only in economics but also in political science.
Informal Ways to Say “Not Only” in Japanese
In casual conversations or informal situations, using the following expressions is more appropriate:
1. ばかりでなく (bakari de naku)
The phrase “ばかりでなく” is commonly used in spoken language to convey “not only” in a casual manner. It is suitable for everyday conversations among friends or acquaintances. Let’s see an example:
彼は運動ばかりでなく、音楽も得意です。
(Kare wa undō bakari de naku, ongaku mo tokui desu.)
He is not only good at sports but also music.
2. だけでなくて (dake de nakute)
This particular expression is a casual and colloquial way to say “not only” in Japanese. By adding the “て (te)” form of the copula verb “だ (da)” after “だけでなく (dake de naku),” it becomes more conversational. Take a look at the example below:
映画は面白いだけでなくて、教育的でもあります。
(Eiga wa omoshiroi dake de nakute, kyōikuteki demo arimasu.)
Movies are not only entertaining but also educational.
Tips for Using “Not Only” in Japanese
Here are some additional tips to further enhance your understanding and usage of expressions conveying “not only” in Japanese:
1. Word Order Matters
In Japanese, the word order is relatively flexible. However, when using phrases like “だけでなく (dake de naku)” or “ばかりでなく (bakari de naku),” it is common to put the “not only” part closer to the subject for clarity and emphasis. For example:
メアリーさんは英語だけでなく、中国語も話せます。
(Mearī-san wa eigo dake de naku, chūgokugo mo hanasemasu.)
Mary can speak not only English but also Chinese.
2. Vary Sentence Structure
Instead of relying solely on “not only” phrases, you can alter the sentence structure to express similar meanings. Consider using conjunctive phrases like “そして (soshite)” meaning “and” or “に加えて (ni kuwaete)” meaning “in addition to.” This allows you to diversify your expressions and improve your overall fluency. For instance:
マイクさんは英語が話せるだけでなく、フランスとスペインも流暢です。
(Maiku-san wa eigo ga hanaseru dake de naku, Furansu to Supein mo ryūchō desu.)
Mike speaks not only English but is also fluent in French and Spanish.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully expanded your knowledge of expressing “not only” in Japanese through various formal and informal phrases. Remember to consider the context and level of formality when choosing the appropriate one. By practicing and incorporating these expressions into your Japanese conversations, you will enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively. Enjoy your journey of learning Japanese!
